2017 NJSPBA
MINI-CONVENTION
Divine Inspiration
The 2017 NJ State PBA Mini-Convention featured a series
of life-changing speakers and presentations
Stories by Amber Ramundo and Mitchell Krugel
Photos by Ed Carattini, Jr.
Words of inspiration from
your Guardian mayor
If there’s a need to get a con-
vention off to an inspiring and
motivating start, give Atlantic City
Mayor Donald Guardian a micro-
phone and a podium. The bow-
tied politician did just that when
providing the opening remarks for
the 2017 NJ State PBA Mini-Con-
vention with his usual firepower.
Instead of inciting the first ova-
tion of this year’s event, however,
he gave one. Mayor Guardian ap-
plauded members across the state
for their response to the shooting
of Atlantic City Local 24 member Joshlee Vadell this past Labor
Day weekend.
“Like Shakespeare’s band of brothers, you came from Wild-
wood and Hackensack and miles away to answer our call when
we needed you,” Guardian cheered. “You used your technology
and your skills, and by 5 p.m. you had the shooter apprehend-
ed. On behalf of Josh, his wife, his kids, the Atlantic City PD and
the citizens of Atlantic City, we are grateful to you for standing
together with your brothers here in Atlantic City.”
The mayor then praised the “cool Bellmawr cop” who
knocked down the guy with a gun, trying to kill people in stores
at Atlantic City’s marketplace that same weekend. Bellmawr
Local 375 member Chris Cummings was that officer who was
off-duty and in town with his family for a concert when he he-
roically took down the gunman.
“I want to thank you for putting yourselves on the line even
when you are not getting paid,” Mayor Guardian roared. “That’s
just how you all think.”
The mayor then left members with one final rousing thought:
“Remember, it’s an election year and you have to be testing
the politicians out there,” he charged. “See where they walk and
how they talk. Make sure they are supportive of the women and
men in blue.” d
30
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ MARCH 2017
Show us the money…again
The NJ State PBA’s relationship with Flemington Car and
Truck County has been an ongoing rewarding experience.
But never more rewarding than when Flemington owner
Steve Kalafer, who also owns the Somerset Patriots baseball
team, came to the 2017 Mini-Convention. Of course, members
hoped he would reprise his performance from the 2016 event.
“We’re here to show our respect for the ladies and gentlemen
of law enforcement,” Kalafer began. “From the very first day,
we saw what law enforcement officers do for our communities.
You are the backbone.”
At that point, Kalafer was interrupted by the man who ac-
companied him on the podium, Manager Emeritus of the Som-
erset Patriots and Yankees great Sparky Lyle. Sparky reminded
Kalafer of the question he came to ask.
“How much is the 50-50?” inquired Kalafer, wanting to know
how much had been collected for the raffle on Day 2 of the con-
vention.
A year ago, Kalafer made a contribution from Flemington to
double the 50-50, and Sparky reminded him of his intention for
this year.
“You said if we were back here, you would double that,” Lyle
told Kalafer in front of nearly 1,000 PBA members.
Kalafer did just that, and then some-raising the 50-50 reward
to $10,000.
“We just wanted to say ‘thank you’ from Flemington Car and
Truck Country,” asserted Jerry Sheehan, Flemington’s sales as-
sociate designated to serve PBA members. “It’s very important
to us to take care of every one of you.” d